Ready to feel like you have gone back in time to the wild wild west?! I say HELL YEAH, you are. Lets take a trip to a place ,that is a multi-day experience thru isolated  byways journey that literally takes you thru the heart of the American West. This all links the “Mighty Five” ,Zion,Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef,Arches, and Canyonlands.

Welcome To Utah 

This state is geographically different from the rest of the United States, with 3.5 distinct geographic regions and over 12,000 years of human history.

Now lets deal with the elephant in the room; it’s a Mormon state! People will tell you no caffeine and no alcohol but thats not true. They have Starbucks and all the alcohol you can buy in stores.

Let the fun begin on this adventure

 

Utah has always been one of my favorite states to visit. It takes your imagination and literally takes you to worlds that never existed.

While on my Utah adventure,I stopped at two of my favorite national parks Arches and Capitol Reef. I do wish that I had time to do all five parks, then again there is always time for another trip.

The first stop I made while on my Utah adventure is Arches National Park

Arches National Park 

Welcome To The Red-Rock Wonderland

This park lies just north of Moab. Boarding the rushing Colorado River just southeast,this site is known to be the home of 2,000+ natural sandstone arches and  home to the famous red-hue Delicate Arch (seen in the photo above).

My first impression of this red-rock wonderland is that it has a beauty that leaves you speechless words can’t describe it.Driving along the roads getting to different sandstone arches was just left me in awe. Looking up at the tall colorful walls was just breath taking.

 First stop: On my Arches adventure took me to Balanced Rock.

Time for a little history lesson : Balanced Rock is a boulder that is made up of Estrada sandstone, which sits on the pedestal that is made up of Dewey Bridge mudstone. Over time they fused together and got stronger. It’s perch up at 128 feet tall and weighs about 3,577 tons.

Looking at this sight just took my breath away. It left me in question how could something so beautiful be created. Yet I couldn’t wait to explore the hiking trails around this beauty.  Which I recommend there are so many striking views in every direction, and a paved parking lot to get to this monument & hiking trials in nearby as well.

After hiking around this beauty I hopped back into my car and explored many other parts of Arches; Double-O Arch, Turret Arch, North Window,Park Avenue and many more. Which I recommend is a must see.

I could’ve been at the park for another day or so but I was on a time crunch.

Last Stop : Delicate Arch

Always make sure you stop at this beauty on your Arches National Park adventure. This arch is a emblematic symbol to the park and to Utah. People tend to argue that it’s the most famous natural arch formation in the world. If you just come to Arches just for a few hours and only want to see one arch, this is the must see!

On my visit to Delicate Arch it was just about sunset, it was a gorgeous sight to see. Though I have seen this rock formation before on a clear night and let me tell you, it feels like you’re on another planet. If you look up it looks like some dropped glitter in the sky. It is a must see either at sunrise,sunset, or on a clear night.

I was sad to leave Arches but I know, I’ll be back again soon.

Day 2 Of My Utah Adventure 

I set my sights to south-central Utah, located in the heart of red rock country, a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges in the Water Fold. This geological  formation extends over 100 miles.

Capitol Reef National Park 

I didn’t spend to much time at this park since I was on a time crunch to get back home, but I will tell you this, I did hike.

Hiking in this park was literally a dream and walking thru narrow gorges, and getting to the top of high cliffs to get a birds eye view of the surrounding area was a sight to see. I could’ve spent a day or two here. Though my time ended quickly.

While I was at Capitol Reef, I educated myself on the hiking trails that they have to offer. Located in the Fruita area, there are 15 day hiking trails which seem like a great time if you are an advanced hiker.

Though there are short hikes as well for the day anywhere from easy to hard. They are roundtrip trails anywhere from 0.25 to 10 miles long.All trails are marked in case you get lost and some have maps that you can get at the ranger station when you first enter the park.

Wish I had more time in Utah this trip!! Although I will definitely be back.

 

Here are some safety tips while hiking or driving in the vast desert land.

• Always tell people where you are going
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Drink lots of water and keep extra water on you as well
• Bring snacks- you never know if you’re going to get stranded
• Pack according to weather conditions

 

Hope my story inspires you to Live Life Elevated

Happy Travels

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